The present invention relates to an electronic signal switching module with connectors on a first side for connecting with a variety of devices and sources and with jacks for receiving patch cords on a second side. The switching modules include two position switches in the circuitry connecting the jacks with the connectors which allow the module to be configured as a straight-through patching module, a fully normal module with paired jacks or a half normal module with paired jacks. One alternative of the invention utilizes card edge connectors on the first side. Another aspect of the invention involves a chassis for holding a plurality of switching modules adjacent to and electronically connected with a plurality of connecting modules. The switching modules may also include designation lenses adjacent to the jacks for holding indicia.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
1. A method of switching circuits in an audio signal transmission system, the audio signal transmission system including a plurality of patching devices inserted into a front opening of a chassis, each device including circuitry and first and second spring assemblies, the circuitry including a no normal configuration, a full normal configuration, and a half normal configuration, the method comprising the steps of: a) removing one patching device of the plurality of devices from a first slot location in the chassis, the one patching device having a first circuit configuration, the first circuit configuration being one of the no normal, full normal, and half normal configurations; b) switching the circuitry of the one patching device from the first circuit configuration to a second circuit configuration, the second configuration being a different one of the no normal, full normal, and half normal configurations; and c) inserting the one patching device having the second circuit configuration back into the first slot location in the chassis; d) wherein the circuitry of each of the patching devices is accessible for switching only when the patching device is removed from the front opening of the chassis.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of switching the circuitry includes switching at least one two position switch of a plurality of two position switches between an open position and a closed position, the plurality of two position switches being carried by the patching device.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the patching devices has a front that defines port, a rear opposite the front, and sides extending between the front and the rear, and wherein the step of switching the circuitry includes accessing a switch device located on one of the sides of the patching device.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein each device further includes an electrical connector, and wherein the step of switching the circuitry includes accessing a switch device located between the electrical connector and the first and second spring assemblies.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of switching the circuitry includes accessing a bank of DIP switches located along a side of the patching device.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of switching the circuitry includes switching a switch device carried by the patching device.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of removing the one patching device includes removing a fastener that secures the device in relation to the chassis.
8. The method of claim 7 , further including removing a designation lens attached to the patching device prior to removing the fastener that secures the device in relation to the chassis.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
June 26, 2006
February 24, 2009
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.